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CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS . MR . GEORGE KENNING'S SHOW ROOMS AND MANUFACTORY , Little Britain and Aldersgate-st ., will be closed from THURSDAY EVENING , the 24 th inst ., until TUESDAY MORNING , the 29 th inst .

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GILLIAM ( Successors to Makepeace and Walford ) , SILVERSMITHS , JEWELLERS , AND DIAMOND MOUNTERS , DEALERS IN ANTIQUE PLATE & JEWELLERY . 6 , SERLE STREET , LINCOLN ' INN , 446 , OXFORD STREET , NEAR ORCHARD STREET . The Freemason of May 10 th , 1891 , says— "Messrs . Gilliam Bros ., Gold and Silversmiths , of ( i , Serle Street , Lincoln ' s Inn , have been very fortunate in securing so fine a site for their new establishment as 418 , Oxford Street ( near Orchard Street ) , and we congratulate them on the beauty and artistic design displayed in their new premises ; the stock is of the most rare and choice kind , and our brethren , who are fond of old and good things in precious metals , would do well to pay them a visit . "

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PARTRIDGE & COOPER , " THE " STA TI ONERS , 192 & 191 , FLEET STREET , LONDON . SCIENTIFIC WHIST CARDS , IS . Gd . per pack ; free by post is . gd . Although only just published , some thousands have already been sold . PARTRIDGE & COOPER hold one of the largest stock of Playing Cards in London . The Club House Playing Cards , is . per Pack , us . per doz . A Special Illustrated Catalogue forwarded post free on application .

To Correspondents.

To Correspondents .

The length of our Annual Summary this year crowds out a number of lodge reports and other communications , which will duly appear in the next issue .

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SATURDAY , DECEMBER 26 , 1891 .

Masonic Notes.

Masonic Notes .

We gladly avail ourselves of the opportunity afforded by the somewhat earlier publication than usual of this week ' s issue of the Freemason to offer to our readers and friends the customary "Hearty good wishes" at this

festive season . We trust their Christmas holiday , be it of long or short duration , will be agreeably spent , and afford them infinite pleasure as well as prove a relief from the cares and responsibilities which devolve on them during their ordinary avocations .

* * * We have great pleasure in announcing that Bro . Terry has at length succeeded in obtaining the support as Chairman at the approaching Jubilee Festival of the Royal Masonic Benevolent Institution of one of

the kindliest as well as one of the most distinguished members of the Craft . He endeavoured in the first instance to enlist the sympathy of his Royal Highness the Prince of Wales who , as M . W . Grand Master , is President of the Institution , and who , therefore , would

have been the most suitable , from his official position , as he would also have been the most illustrious Freemason who could have presided on such an occasion ; but the numerous demands on the Prince ' s time , and

above all , the approaching marriage of his eldest son , the Duke of Clarence and Avondale , have no doubt prevented his Royal Highness from acceding to the request .

Again , the Duke of Connaught , as our readers are aware , has already undertaken to preside at the Girls' School Festival , and the Duke of Clarence will be prevented by the same reason as his father . Bro . the Earl of Lathom , Pro Grand Master , was

Chairman at last year s Festival of the Boys School , but next in rank to his lordship comes Bro . the Earl of Mount Edgcumbe , who will thus signalise his appointment as Deputy Grand Master by presiding at this important Festival . That his services

to the Institution as Chairman will be attended with the most beneficial results there can be no question , and as he will be well supported not only by his own

Province of Cornwall , but likewise in all probability by the adjoining Province of Devonshire , we may look to see the Provincial section of the Stewards' list both numerously and generously supported .

Masonic Notes.

General sympathy will be felt by our readers , and , indeed , by the whole body of English Masons , with Bro . the Marquis of Hartington , M . P ., Prov . G . M . of Derbyshire , in the loss he has just sustained by the death of his father , the Duke of Devonshire . The

deceased nobleman , who was born in 180 S , and had thus attained to the venerable age of 83 years , was a man of the highest culture , having graduated as Second Wrangler and first Smith ' s Prizeman in the Mathematical Tripos an 1 in the first class of the Classical

Tripos at the Univerity of Cambridge . Since the death of his wife in 1840 , he had led a studious and retired life , but he was a most generous man , and his death will be felt almost as a personal calamity by those who had the honour of his friendship or acquaintance ,

or who lived in the neighbourhood of any of his numerous residences . By his Grace's death Bro . the Marquis of Hartington becomes Duke of Devonshire , and the seat his lordship held in the House of Commons for the Rossendaie division of Lancashire will be

vacant . We have received the very unwelcome news of the death on Sunday last of Bro . W . R . Woodman , M . D ., who was appointed G . S . B . at the installation of the

Prince of Wales as M . W . G . M . in 18 75 , and G . D . of C . in Supreme Grand Chapter the same year . By this sad event the Craft sustains a very severe loss . Bro . Dr . Woodman was a most capable Mason , and at the same time one of the kindest and gentlest of men . He

was ever ready to perform any service that was required of him , and took a great interest in all the different branches of Masonry . He was a most popular brother and the numerous circle of Masonic and non-Masonic friends and acquaintances he had gathered around

him will be deeply grieved by this announcement . We shall g ive some account of his Masonic services next week , but in the meantime we tender our deep sympathy to the family and friends of our deceased brother in their bereavement .

Brethren who are fond of reading and preserving histories of lodges—and who are not ?—will be glad to be informed that roo more copies have been printed and published of the very interesting " History of the Lodge of Felicity , No . 58 , London , " by Bro . W .

Smithett , P . M . and Treasurer . The records extend from the year 1737 , and not a few are of considerable importance , the certificate of constitution being one of only two known to be in existence at the present time . By Bro . Hughan ' s advice , this curious document has

been reproduced in the second edition , and the lodge also decided to reprint the whole of the appreciative review by that well-known historian , besides having

the record brought down to date . Copies may be had from Bro . Smithett , 41 , Mincing-lane , E . C , at 12 s . 6 d . each , all being sold to aid the excellent Charity Fund of the lodge .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

REPORTS OF MASONIC MEETINGS .

Craft flDasonr ^

METROPOLITAN MEETINGS . The Abbey ( Westminster ) Lodge ( No . 2030 ) . —A meeting of this lodge was held on Monday , the 14 th inst ., at the Town Hall , Westminster , when there were present Bros . C . C . Piper , W . M . ; F . ] . Smith , S . W . ; W . Bonwick , J . W . ; R . E . H . Coffin , P . M . ; J . E . Shand , P . M ., Sec ; T . Bull , P . M ., D . C ; H .

Hambling , S . D . ; J . Hayler , J . D . ; J . E . Smith , I . G . ; W . Walkley , P . M ., Tyler ; J . Kent , H . E . Poole , Asst . Sec . ; C . Chabot , T . W . Davies , T . Cocks , and others , and several visitors . After the reading and confirmation of the minutes of the last meeting , Bros . Bertram H . Pinto , Chas . Alfred Piper , Alfred Edwin Bull , and Henry Cheesman were raised to

the Third Degree , and Bro . Antonio G . Bona , George James Greene , Thomas Mountain , and William Alfred Charles Vincent were duly passed to the Second Degree . Ballot was taken for two candidates for initiation , which was unanimous in their favour , and one being present he was duly admitted . Three names were proposed for initiation in March next .

Letters of apology were read by the Secretary from Bros . W . Burdett-Coutts , M . P ., P . M ., P . G . W . ; F . SeagerHunt , M . P ., P . M . ; and the Rev . J . R . Simpson , P . G . C , excusing their absence . Bro . Gibson , P . M ., Treas ., was absent through an influenza attack , and the brethren passed a vote oi sympathy with him in his aflliriion .

The lodge was then closed , and the brethren afterwards dined together , the usual loyal and Masonic toasts being given by Bro . Christinas Piper , W . M . The Initiate responded in very su ' table terms to the toast proposed in his behalf , and " The Officers '" and Tyler ' s toasts brought the proceedings to a close , which were interspersed by songs and recitations .

Reports Of Masonic Meetings.

Old Westminsters' Lodge ( No . 2233 ) . — The installation meeting of this prosperous lodge was held at the Cafe Royal , Regent-street , on Tuesday , the 15 th inst ., when there was a good attendance of " Old Westminsters " and visitors . The members included Bros . H . H . Hyde Clarke , W . M . ; T . Wakley , jun ., I . P . M . ; C . M . Barker , S . W .: F . G . Pearse , Rev . E . M . Tomlinson ,

Chap . ; Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , G . Sec . ; Hugh D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal , Sec ; VV . Hicks , J . D . ; T . Tomlinson , I . G . ; W . A . Ellis , Org . ; H . Sutherland , P . G . Stwd ., Stwd . ; W . E . M . Tomlinson , M . P ., P . M . ; VV . K . R . Bedford , P . G . Chap . ; and many others . Visitors : Bros . Col . Noel Money , C . B ., P . G . M . Surrey ; F . Willett ; T . Tebbing , P . M . 1351 ; H . C . Sandeman ,

S . W . 13 S 3 ; G . Simonds , P . M . 23 , P . G . Stwd . ; F . Colville Smith , W . M . 357 ; E . Owen , W . M . 2033 ; R . F . Gould , P . G . D . ; J . B . Scriven , P . G . Stwd . ; R . D . R . Sweeting , I . G . 10 ; and W . VV . Lee , S . VV . 23 S 1 . Lodge was opened , and the minutes confirmed , and Bro . E . [ ervis , B . A ., 357 , was elected a jiining member . Bro .

F . G . Hallett was passed to the Second Degree by the W . M . Bro . C . M . Barker was presented as W . M . elect , and was duly installed into the chair by Bro . Hugh D . Sandeman , P . D . G . M . Bengal , Secretary . The following officers were appointed : Bros . F . J . Pearse , S . W . ; H . F . Manisty , J . W . ; Rev . E . M . Tomlinson , Chap . ; Malcolm O . Sim , Treas . ; H . D . Sandeman , Sec ; W . Hicks ,

S . D . ; C . M . Cope , J . D . ; C . W . Stephenson , I . G . ; S . H . West , D . C ; W . A . Ellis , Org . ; H . Sutherland , P . G . Stwd ., Stwd . ; and Culverhouse , Tyler . The W . M . presented Bro . H . H . Hyde Clarke , I . P . M ., with a Past Master ' s jewel in recognition oi the admirable manner in he had carried out the duties of VV . M . The I . P . M ., in acknowledging the gift , said that if he had not equalled his

distinguished predecessors m the chair of that lodge , he had at least done his best to maintain the credit and good working of the lodge . Lodge was closed , and a recherche repast was followed by the usual toasts . Bro . Col . Noel Money , C . B ., Prov . G . M . Surrey , replied for " The Grand Officers , " and said he felt diffident in

replying , as he had on his right Bro . Col . Shadwell H . Clerke , the Grand Secretary , whose name was a household word in Masonry , and whose merits were too well known for his feeble tongue to express . There was also a Grand Officer who was a member of the lodge—Bro . Sandeman—whose name was a household word in India . He thanked the brethren sincere !} ' for the kind manner in which the toast

had been proposed and received . " Floreat" having been cordially drunk , Bro . Hyde Clarke , I . P . M ., proposed "The Health of the W . M ., " and , in doing so , said it was the first time it had been his privilege and honour to propose the health of a Master , and therefore if he neglected saying what he should , or not do full justice to it , they would doubtless forgive him .

He hardly knew how to say enough in their W . M . s favour . Bro . Barker , W . M ., was well known to members of the lodge , and his Masonic career had been practically identified with it , for although the Old Westminsters' Lodge was not his mother lodge , his Masonic experience was commenced and followed up in it . Bro . Barker was one of the original officers , and had fulfilled the various offices until he

had arrived at the proud and honourable position he now occupied—W . M . of the Old Westminsters' Lodge—a position which they as "Old Westminsters" very highly esteemed . Their W . M . had another strong point in his favour , for he was a thorough good "Old Westminster " at heart , and had always been forward in supporting any movement in connection with the old school . There was

no doubt that in Bro . Barker they had a VV . M . who would strive and endeavour to uphold the honour and interest of the lodge to the best of his ability , and the members would never regret the day they elected him to the chair . He heartily wished the W . M . as happy a year of office as he ( the I . P . M . ) had had , and trusted that when his term expired he would leave the chair with the same

mingled feelings of pleasure and regret . Bro . C . M . Barker , W . M ., said he rose with mingled feelings of pleasure and sadness ¦ to return his hearty thanks for the kind way in which they had received the formal toast of his health . His feelings of sadness were occasioned by the mournful fact that his dearest friend—a friend of 30 years' standing with whom he had been closely

associated as boy and man—was not present , but was suffering from an illness from which his recovery was doubtful . Bro . Malcom O . Sim , to whom he referred , and he were at Westminster 35 years ago , and they had been connected professionally , and there had never been a cross look or word between them . They would pardon him if he expressed this feeling of sorrow , because it was a blow he felt

very much not to see that brother present . He was delighted to see Bro . Bedford , P . G . Chap ., come in , for that distinguished brother had known him and his for many years . He was also pleased to see Bro . Scriven and Bro . Willett , who had emerged after 25 years' absence from Masonry . Ought he not to be happy among so many friends ? Surely he could renew his strength in those who had thus come to

honour him . The position of W . M . of that lodge was one any man must feel proud to have gained . The Westminster days were the happiest he ever spent and the friends he then made had been the most valued and valuable . Whatever little success he might have attained in his profession was owing almost entirely to his Westminster friends . He was therefore proud of his school

and proud to be elected Master of the Old Westminsters ' Lodge . When he thought of the many men at school with him , and recalled their names , he remembered that many of them had joined the vast majority . Those who had gone , let them hope their rest was pleasant , and those who remained they hoped their career would be successful , and that it would go well with them . He was but a young

Mason , but there was no doubt it bound them together in an extraordinary manner . Whatever affection they felt for the friend of their youth , if he was a Mason that was another tie . Masonry was no doubt a tie binding them in a lasting and memorable manner , and he felt it that ni g ht . He returned them hearty thanks for the honour done him , and hoped they would pardon the imperfect manner in

which he should perform his duty , but it would be done to the best of his ability . Bro . R . F . Gould , P . G . D ., responded for "The Visitors , " and assured the members of the great pleasure it had afforded him to visit the lodge . He had been a member of more than one class lodge himself , and was the first Master of a lodge in the 31 st Regiment many years ago , and some of his happiest hours were spent in the Meridian Lodge . He